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At one point, you might have made the comparison between bobcat vs human without you even knowing. Bobcats may appear soft and adorable, particularly considering their size, but are they?
Although these cats may appear adorable, it is crucial to remember that they are still untamed. Additionally, it is vital to understand that when you encounter these creatures or any other wild animal, you are traversing their territory.
People ponder the dangers bobcats pose when they’re in the neighborhood. Bobcats, as per the lynx family, are reclusive and prefer solitude. What would happen if you met one in person? Will it attack? Well, let’s find out in a few.
Bobcats Explained
Bobcats are bob-tailed cats of average size that inhabit North America. This is the region spanning from southern Canada to southern Mexico. It is also known as the bay lynx and the scarlet lynx, among other names.
Some erroneously believe that the Canada lynx, despite being slightly more prominent, is the bobcat. Since bobcats are so small, many individuals mistake them for domesticated cats or missing kittens.
Bobcats are easily identified by their slender and bowed tail. Bobcats typically have tails between 4 and 8 inches long but can grow as long as 10 inches. Almost invariably, the ends of the tails are black.
Their fur can range in hue from pale gray to brown-orange. Their legs contain several black patches and bars visible on their bodies. The fur that envelops their faces frequently expands and passes through their ears, forming a ruff. They lick themselves to appear less puffy.
Bobcats prefer to pursue small animals such as mice, rabbits, squirrels, and moles. At times, they consume birds and animals as well.
There have been reports of them killing deer, the largest animal in the world. Small rodents are typically less prevalent during the winter months. They hunt exclusively during the wee hours of the morning and night.
These nocturnal predators have a maximum vertical leap of 6 feet. This facilitates the jumping of bobcats onto prey such as rodents, snakes, and other animals of their preference.
Although they are more commonly observed on the outskirts of cities, rocky outcrops, and extensive forests, bobcats prefer inaccessible habitats. Caverns, dense forests, and rugged terrain are ideal locations for den construction and hunting.
The bobcats’ territory is expansive and fortified. The territory is exceptionally guarded, and the cat will leave scent trails to indicate its location. Although male cats can share territories with other males, female bobcats will not share territory with another female bobcat.
People are the greatest threat to bobcats, even though bobcats prefer solitude and roaming. Consequently, bobcats and humans rarely interact.
For growth, bobcats require expansive, interconnected natural terrain. The population of bobcats could decline due to factors such as habitat expansion, excessive hunting, and poaching for their fur.
A sizable stray cat or a small mountain lion easily confuses a bobcat. After learning what to search for, you can differentiate these wild cats. The following characteristics define a bobcat:
- Wide flat face
- Short, bobbed tail
- Large paws with long legs
- White spot on the back of the black ears
Bobcat vs Human Comparison
As medium-sized felines, individuals may erroneously perceive a lesser bobcat as a sizable house cat. Male bobcats can range in weight from fifteen to forty pounds.
On average, female bobcats weigh about 15 pounds. In contrast, bobcats are considerably larger and towering than domestic cats. On average, they are 16 inches in height and 38.5 inches in length.
Size
Bobcats are considerably larger than foxes and house cats, but not wolves or many breeds of canines. Typically, when a bobcat stands on its rear legs, its back legs are considerably longer than its front legs, giving it an extremely menacing appearance. While bobcats possess tails, their length typically ranges from 4 to 6 inches.
Length
A typical bobcat measures approximately 21 inches in height, shorter than a typical two-year-old human. This physical difference could be one reason why bobcats rarely attack humans. A tall individual may appear menacing to a bobcat, notwithstanding the presence of fangs and claws.
Speed
Bobcats have a top speed of thirty miles per hour. Conversely, a cheetah’s maximum speed is 70 miles per hour. Usain Bolt established the record for the
highest human speed at 23 mph. As humans run considerably more slowly than bobcats, it is unwise to attempt to outrun them.
Can Bobcats Be Pets?
Bobcats can be excellent unusual pets if their owners are willing to consider them as special cats. Owners of exotic pets differ from other animal enthusiasts.
Attempting to capture and domesticate a feral bobcat is never advisable. Many bobcats reared as pets were either rescued or have known a human since they were pups.
Are Bobcats Dangerous to Humans?
Bobcats, being insular and inherently timid creatures that avoid contact with humans, are seldom the target of human aggression.
Nonetheless, they remain dangerous when startled or placed under challenging situations. Being shy and solitary doesn’t mean accidental contact is impossible.
Bobcats are typically timid toward humans but can become highly aggressive when enraged. A bobcat’s canines contain nerves that enable it to locate vulnerable areas on the target it attacks.
The jaws of this animal are considerably larger than those of cheetahs, foxes, and coyotes. Additionally, it possesses exceptionally sharp canines. Note a bobcat will only attack an individual when that individual feels threatened or confined.
Although rabies rarely affects bobcats, it is known to increase their aggression. Bobcats that have tested positive for rabies are known to have repeatedly attacked humans.
Even though these cats rarely assault humans, you should maintain a safe distance if you encounter one in the wild. If you encounter it in the wild, retreat cautiously, but if it’s near your residence, make noises to frighten it away.
A bobcat strike could cause severe bodily harm. The canines and claws of an adult bobcat measure one inch in length. It rarely harms a human and typically only defends itself against larger animals.
While encountering a bobcat is improbable, the following safety precautions are prudent to remember: Regardless of your desire, refrain from running, as doing so will provoke the bobcat.
- Call animal control
- Turn not away from it. Conversely, retreat gradually from the bobcat
- Throw water towards the bobcat as felines dislike water.’
- Bear a safe distance from the bobcat
- Make every effort to generate as much commotion as possible
You have nothing to fear or be alarmed about if you encounter a bobcat near your residence. Bobcats, like coyotes and foxes, assist humans in rodent control and are essential to the health of ecosystems.
Bobcats Will Attack Your Pets
Bobcats attack animals they perceive as food, such as small cats and dogs. It is prudent to exercise caution whenever these cats are in the vicinity, even though they do not pose a significant threat to humans.
A bobcat is more likely to attack a dog weighing under 30 pounds. These wildcats, nevertheless, will assault canines of any size.
Although the bobcat is primarily known for hunting small animals, it occasionally pursues large animals with limited food. While searching for prey in a yard, a cougar might challenge a dog in combat.
You should not leave your pets outside alone at night to protect them from bobcats. The cats are typically aggressive toward pets that are outdoors during the night. Although they can scale fences, installing one will help keep them out of your yard.
Numerous documented incidents involve bobcats attacking and murdering outdoor pets. Particularly between March and July, the feline breeding season.
Additionally, you should take precautions to protect your residence if you observe bobcats in the area. As they are timid creatures seeking hiding places, your yard should be devoid of debris or vegetation.
You should also avoid leaving food outside, as bobcats are more likely to attack when they feel secure in the presence of humans.
Fun Facts About Bobcats
- They are roughly the size of a domestic cat and a half. They have dark markings on their bodies, a bobbed tail, and ears with black tufts to blend in.
- Morning and evening are when bobcats are most active; they are typically apprehensive of humans.
- Bobcats regularly consume rabbits, hares, and small creatures such as mice and squirrels.
- Bobcats are highly adaptable; therefore, they might be less perturbed by city sounds or people if they reside close to them. Additionally, the bobcats may learn to be more active during the day.
- Although bobcat sightings are still uncommon, they are becoming more frequent in some areas of southern Alberta.
Conclusion
In comparing bobcat vs human, they are no threat to us. However, they are frequently misidentified as house cats or mountain lions, among others in the wild. However, they are roughly half the size of a mountain lion and twice that of a house cat.
Bobcats generally avoid human beings and rarely inflict injury upon them. It is critical to note that bobcat attacks can cause severe human injuries. In addition, their formidable jaws and razor-sharp claws can slice through flesh.
Bobcats rarely threaten humans when left alone; however, this is not always the case. Take great caution when you come across one in your hike trail.
